Sampayo: Weak governance fuels climate security risks

Weak governance and lack of coordination among state institutions can intensify security risks in the context of climate change, Antonio Sampayo, Advisor at the UN Climate Security Mechanism (CSM), said at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

According to Sampayo, climate shocks such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat put pressure on water supply, housing, transport, and waste management systems.

"If institutions are weak and interagency coordination is absent, failures in these systems can heighten social tensions and create conditions for criminal and armed activity. Climate change and urbanization alone do not generate security problems. However, where armed groups, illegal economic activity, corruption, or social tensions already exist, climate impacts – especially resource scarcity and weak governance – can transform them into security threats," he emphasized.

The expert added that early warning and coordinated intervention can prevent the escalation of risks.